Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
Pros and Cons of Booth Renting
Deb Hunt, owner of Spa Business Solutions in Vista, California, says stylists often go solo due to frustration. “They add up their tickets and think it’s a lot of money they can keep themselves,” Hunt says. But rental is a different business model, and there’s more to consider than income.
March 31, 2014
3 min to read
Deb Hunt, owner of Spa Business Solutions in Vista, California, says stylists often go solo due to frustration. “They add up their tickets and think it’s a lot of money they can keep themselves,” Hunt says. But rental is a different business model, and there’s more to consider than income.
Renters rent space from a landlord who has no say about how they work. They buy all their own supplies, obtain and book clients, pay for education, need a business license and insurance, and do almost everything else a salon owner does. Renters cannot receive unemployment or workman’s compensation. They also pay double the social security taxes to cover the employers’ contribution.
Employees are paid a commission or salary and have to follow someone else’s rules. They receive training and various benefi ts. Depending on the salon, these include paid vacation, free education/training, mentoring, health insurance and backbar products. Of course, they get client referrals and help with retention. A good salon provides support in every area, and often, a stylist’s level of success is due to that support, Hunt says.
If you’re considering renting…
• YOU MUST HAVE: The ability to run every aspect of your business. “Be an ambitious self-starter, highly motivated, social media savvy and goal-oriented, all while delivering consistently excellent services,” says Tanya Ramirez, a renter at Untamed Instincts in Los Angeles.
• YOU MUST HAVE: A strong client base. You should be booked at least 80 percent of the time. Tamara Dahill, who owns the rental-based Tamara Dahill Salon in Los Angeles says a good benchmark is that you must be able to pay your rent on 30 percent of your gross. The rest, she says, goes to expenses and yourself. “You need to set aside estimated taxes and budget for supplies, insurance and more. Make a list of all your costs!”
• YOU MUST HAVE: Marketing abilities. Not all of “your” clients will follow you, and your former employer will try to keep them.
• YOU MUST HAVE: Savings. At minimum, have three months’ worth of living and business expenses. What’s next? Make a list of the pros and cons of both situations. Consider your personality, says Dahill; only you know what is right for you. Then explore options.
Ask potential employers about: Training, mentoring and apprenticeships, dress codes, rules and regulations, pay and benefi ts, the salon’s culture, your responsibilities and opportunities.
Ask landlords: To see the space and the lease; share the latter with an attorney. What are you responsible for? Can you sublet or use an assistant? Also check booth rental rules at the IRS’ website.
“Booth renting offers the chance to run your own business without the added stress of running an entire salon,” Ramirez says. “If you are business oriented, set up a business- growth plan with defi ned goals, and promote your work everywhere online.”
“Don’t assume renters must go it alone, Dahill adds. “Having someone cheering you on boosts success.” Dahill invites her renters to education—they often behave as a team by choice. Suggesting that the culture of a rental business matters just as much as that of an employee salon.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty